Monday, June 27, 2005
Lower Back Pain Myths
Many people will suffer from Lower BackPain (LBP) some time in their lives. Most will recover fully within a few weeks. Many use exercise machines to attempt to strengthen the abdominals and lower back, this however is one of the most common fitness myths.
One of the most dangerous machines in the gym is the back extension. The spine has very little ability to move on it’s own, it is influenced strongly by the hips and abs. The spine musculature consists of stabilizers that serve to protect the disks, and the extensors of the lower torso. Just like the abdominal machines performing a hyperextension on a machine or bench can cause up to 1000lbs of compressive force on the spine, there are better and safer exercises.
One of the most dangerous machines in the gym is the back extension. The spine has very little ability to move on it’s own, it is influenced strongly by the hips and abs. The spine musculature consists of stabilizers that serve to protect the disks, and the extensors of the lower torso. Just like the abdominal machines performing a hyperextension on a machine or bench can cause up to 1000lbs of compressive force on the spine, there are better and safer exercises.
